Doncaster Rovers retained list: Glenn Middleton transfer-listed and seven set for release
Doncaster Rovers confirm their retained list with one game of their 2025/26 League One campaign remaining
Doncaster Rovers have placed winger Glenn Middleton on the transfer list and confirmed seven players will depart upon the expiry of their contracts this summer.
Grant McCann’s men have one more game left to play in League One, but have already published their retained list.
Middleton, who only joined Rovers from Dundee United last summer, has been made available for a permanent move away from the Eco-Power Stadium. He has made 46 appearances across all competitions for Rovers but managed just 15 league starts.
Following veteran marksman Billy Sharp out of the door will be defender James Maxwell, midfielders Zain Westbrooke, Ben Close and Joe Sbarra, and wingers Jordan Gibson and Kyle Hurst.
New contracts have been offered to defender Jack Senior, as well as promising young goalkeeper Jake Oram. Extension options in the contracts of Harry Clifton, Jacob Bryant, Will Flint and Bobby Faulkner have all been activated.
Loanees Thimothée Lo Tutala, Zander Clark, Neill Byrne, Elliot Lee and Francis Okoronkwo are due to return to their parent clubs.
Grant McCann salutes released Doncaster Rovers players
McCann said: "I want to thank every player who will be leaving the club for what they have given during their time here. Each of them has played a part in our journey.
"They've given everything for the badge, day in and day out. Some leave us as League Two champions and others have shown real grit and professionalism to help us compete in League One this year, but all of them have contributed to what we are building.
"On behalf of Doncaster Rovers, we wish them the best of luck for the future and every success in the next chapter of their careers."
Doncaster have also confirmed scholars Aaron Cashmore, Dylan Corbett, Harry Gardham, Harry Glaves, Franklin Middleton, Romani Murray, Deshaun Musgrave-Dore and Tyler Parkin will be leaving upon completion of their programmes.
Looking ahead to 2026/27 season
McCann is a manager who likes to get ahead and has already been in discussions with potential signings for the 2026/27 season.
While previewing last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Stevenage, he said: “It’s been going on for a long time in terms of recruitment, players we’re looking at, refining the list, putting them into an order we think we can go and achieve.
“We‘re ahead of the game a wee bit. It’s a busy time. We’re still trying to finish the season strong. We’re trying to make the group competitive.
“It’s a busy time but an exciting time. It gives us a chance to build a group that’s capable and in a mindset of promotion. That would be the key for us next year.”
The first-team players remaining under contract at the Eco-Power Stadium are Jamie Sterry, Owen Bailey, Matthew Pearson, Jay McGrath, Luke Molyneux, George Broadbent, Brandon Hanlan, Tom Nixon, Darren Robinson, Robbie Gotts, Bayley McCann, Sean Grehan, Samuel Straughan-Brown, Kasper Williams, Lincoln Pawlak and Hakeeb Adelakun.